7 Feb, 2011
Title: Bloodline Champions
Platform: PC
Developer: Stunlock Studios
Publisher: Funcom
TWOLS (Ten Word or Less Summary): An original take on online player versus player action.
It’s probably fair to say online multiplayer is considered one of the main aspects of gaming today. Some of the gaming giants are those games which offer a purely multiplayer experience, an example being the world-famous World of Warcraft. Not wanting to miss out on the big bucks market that is multiplayer, Stunlock studios has jumped on the bandwagon.
Bloodline Champions takes the incredibly popular Player versus Player format, that many online games offer, and refines it into something original. Each player chooses a champion from a specific Bloodline (surprisingly enough) and each bloodline has their own specific abilities and weapons. The players are divided into two teams and are expected to work together in order to kick ass. Players are able to take two items into battle, each with their own effects, and are able to heal themselves and others with their Bloodline Medallion. Characters are controlled through the standard W, A, S and D format, with the mouse acting as an aiming device for abilities and attacks. It’s this direct control that makes Bloodline Champions more akin with third person shooters than many popular MMOs (if you can call it that).
Wonderful character design
So is it any good? Yes and no. The game itself takes a fair bit of training in order to master which may instantly turn less patient players away. Although the game boasts a more pick up and play attitude to online gaming than other purely online games it is clear that those more familiar with the layout will excel. The moral of the story (or should I say game?) here is practise makes perfect.
Simple and easy to understand lobbies
Now, what about the good things? I loved the style of this game. The graphics are cartoony but full of interesting details. I spent a good few minutes flicking through each character, equipping them with each armour style and weapon, simply to look at the wonderful detail that the guys and gals at Stunlock have put into each champion. To play with such wonderfully crafted character is a joy. Despite the time it takes to master the game the gameplay felt refreshing and surprisingly simple. There is a great amount to take in during a battle, and a great amount of strategy is required to succeed. Once mastered though this game has a way of bringing you back for more, winning quickly becomes addictive. Last but not least, the best thing about this online game that sets it apart from others, IT’S FREE TO PLAY. For no cost to yourself you can enjoy this title and give it a test run before you decide whether to take it to a more professional (and costly) level.
I personally enjoyed Bloodline Champions. I am no PC or multiplayer guru either, and much prefer a simple shooter or RPG to many purely online games, yet I found myself playing match after match and enjoying it. Once you have a firm grasp of how the game works and found your favourite character class the game becomes a joy, and at times a challenge, to play. Thanks to the well-structured matchmaking system you will never find yourself overwhelmed by better players, and often come out games learning something to aid you in the future. You can expect a number of problems when it comes to online games, including things like lag, and Bloodline Champions isn’t different. It’s by no means a game-spoiler but annoying nonetheless.
Battles are often fought in simple arenas
I would recommened the game to anyone who enjoys player versus player combat, and is familiar with online PC games. For those who maybe want a change from their consoles, and who have a fairly good computer, then it is certainly worth giving a go, after all it is free. Experience is obviously going to vary from player to player but I think, given a bit of time, we have a decent contender in the online market here!
Rating 3.5/5
I played the beta for this game briefly. It does have a lot going for it. The game itself is fun, but the playerbase, in beta at least, was the biggest turn off. People were elistist, rude, and extremely competitive. I’m all for PVP banter and fun, but I enjoy something a little more light hearted in atmosphere. 3/5
I totally understand where you’re coming from. I also encountered some pretty, shall we say, ‘intense’ players. It is a shame it hindered you’re playing experience though. I suppose it’s more of a ‘hate the players not the game’ scenario.